Intervertebral fusion device and method of use

ABSTRACT

Some embodiments of the invention provide an apparatus that (1) delivers a fusion member between two vertebral bodies after at least a portion of the fibrocartilaginous disc between the vertebral bodies has been removed, and (2) affixes the fusion member to the vertebral bodies. In some embodiments, the apparatus includes (1) a fusion member that is delivered and positioned between the vertebral bodies, (2) a delivery mechanism that delivers and positions the fusion member between the vertebral bodies, and (3) an anchoring member that affixes the fusion member to the vertebral bodies.

This Application claims benefit to U.S. Provisional Patent Application 61/040,136, entitled “Intervertebral Fusion Device and Method of Use”, filed Mar. 27, 2008 and U.S. Provisional Patent Application 61/109,175, entitled “Intervertebral Fusion Device and Method of Use”, filed Oct. 28, 2008.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention pertains to spinal implants and surgical procedures for spinal fusion and stabilization.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Back and neck pain are the leading causes of disability and lost productivity for American workers under the age of 45. Degenerative disc disease and its sequelae, whereby the fibrocartilaginous disc between adjacent vertebral bodies loses height, hydration and structural integrity, is one of the most common causes of back and neck pain and may develop secondary to traumatic injuries, inflammatory processes or various degenerative disorders. When conservative treatment fails, surgical fusion of the vertebral segments across the abnormal disc may be the only currently available procedure for pain relief. An increasing number of these spinal fusions are performed each year. It is estimated that over half a million of these procedures were performed in the United States last year alone.

Various surgical approaches to abnormal lumbar disc spaces are employed and include anterior interbody fusions, posterior interbody fusions and tranforaminal fusions. At cervical levels, an anterior approach is often employed. These procedures may be augmented by various posterior element instrumentation techniques. Regardless of the surgical approach, the goal is to achieve solid bony fusion between the involved endplates and eliminate the symptoms caused by motion and associated degenerative and other reactive changes between these unstable vertebral segments.

The first lumbar fusion procedures involved removal of a portion of the abnormal disc and placement of autologous bone graft material in the disc space without other instrumentation in the vertebral bodies or posterior elements. This approach often failed due to inadequate structural integrity. Subsequently, cortical bone dowels and femoral ring allografts were employed in an attempt to restore disc space height and augment structural integrity. After U.S. Pat. No. 4,961,740 (“Ray, et al.”) introduced the concept of the threaded cylindrical interbody fusion cage in 1990, numerous other interbody fusion devices were developed. These devices include cylindrical, rectangular, and tapered cages and spacers composed of metals, polymers, human bone allograft and other materials. Some of these devices incorporate or are coated with human bone morphogenetic protein or other agents to promote new bone formation and accelerate fusion. Despite these advancements, failure rates for spinal fusion surgeries remain unacceptably high, greater than 10 percent in most series.

Therefore, there is a need in the art for an improved method to effect a more rapid, reliable fusion between unstable vertebral segments and avoid the considerable medical and economic impact of failed spinal fusions.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Some embodiments of the invention provide an apparatus that (1) delivers a fusion member between two vertebral bodies after at least a portion of the fibrocartilaginous disc between the vertebral bodies has been removed, and (2) affixes the fusion member to the vertebral bodies. In some embodiments, the apparatus includes (1) a fusion member that is delivered and positioned between the vertebral bodies, (2) a delivery mechanism that delivers and positions the fusion member between the vertebral bodies, and (3) an anchoring member that affixes the fusion member to the vertebral bodies.

In some embodiments, the interbody fusion member is a shaped block (e.g., a rectangular or oblong block) with one or more channels (e.g., tubular channels). As mentioned above, this member is placed between endplates of adjacent vertebrae following a partial or complete discectomy. In this position, two or more sides of the fusion member are in contact with the opposed endplates. These contacting sides may be parallel to each other, or nonparallel such that the fusion member presents a tapered profile when viewed laterally so as to restore both disc height and physiologic lordosis. In this position, one or more anchoring members (e.g., one or more open-tipped or close-tipped needles) can be pushed through the one or more channels of the fusion member and into the marrow space of one or more of the vertebral bodies, in order to affix the fusion member to the vertebral bodies. This is further described below.

In some embodiments, the delivery mechanism that delivers the fusion member between vertebral bodies includes (1) a delivery housing that houses the anchoring mechanism and (2) a retention mechanism that couples the delivery housing to the fusion member. The delivery housing of some embodiments includes channels that run the entire length of the delivery housing that guide the anchoring mechanism to the proper channel opening of the fusion member. In some embodiments, the delivery housing also includes channels that guide retention rods to the retention mechanism of some embodiments.

In some embodiments, the retention rods have retention teeth that mate with retention grooves on the fusion member. The retention rods, grooves, and teeth form the retention mechanism of some embodiments. Other embodiments might have different retention mechanisms. For instance, in some embodiments, the retention teeth are on the fusion member while the retention grooves are on the retention rod. Moreover, instead of, or in conjunction with, this tooth and groove approach, one of ordinary skill will realize that other embodiments use other retention structures (e.g., other male/female structures, other structures such as expandable clasps that encapsulate the lateral edges of the fusion member, other structures such as a clamp, etc.) to affix the delivery mechanism to the fusion member.

The retention mechanism is used in some embodiments as a way of controllably detaching the delivery mechanism from the fusion member after the medical practitioner (1) determines that the fusion member is placed at the desired position between two vertebral bodies, and (2) inserts the anchoring members into the vertebral bodies in order to affix the fusion member to the vertebral bodies. When the medical practitioner determines (e.g., by viewing x-ray images of the patient) that the fusion member is not placed at an appropriate position between two vertebral bodies, the medical practitioner can use the delivery mechanism to reposition the fusion member to the desired location. One of ordinary skill will realize that the delivery mechanism and/or retention mechanism of some embodiments can be used for delivery of any type of interbody fusion members between two vertebral bodies (e.g., even those that do not utilize anchoring members and/or PMMA or bone cement).

As mentioned above, the anchoring members (e.g., large gauge needles 1-10 mm in outer diameter) are pushed through the channels of the delivery mechanism and the fusion member and into the marrow space of the vertebral bodies, in order to affix the fusion member to the vertebral bodies. Moreover, in some embodiments, polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) or other bone cement or hardening polymer material, is injected through the anchoring members and into the vertebral bodies. In the marrow space of the vertebral bodies, this injected material forms a cloud around the tip of the anchoring member and hardens after a duration of time. Once this injected material hardens, it further solidifies the attachment of the fusion member to the vertebral bodies. To facilitate such injections, the anchoring members have hollow channels and perforated tips in some embodiments.

In some embodiments, the anchoring members are part of an anchoring mechanism that also includes driving members that advance the anchoring members through the fusion member channels into vertebral bodies. Some embodiments of the invention provide a coupling mechanism that couples each anchoring member to a corresponding driving member. In some embodiments, each driving member includes (1) a shaft that advances the anchoring member fully into the fusion member or withdraws the anchoring member from the fusion member and (2) a central lumen that provides a conduit for delivering polymers to the anchoring member.

The central lumen in the driving member aligns with the hollow channel (i.e., lumen) in its corresponding anchoring member once the anchoring member is in its desired position inside a vertebral body. Accordingly, once the driving members push the anchoring members into the vertebral bodies, hardening material (e.g., PMMA, bone cement, or other hardening polymer) may be injected through the central lumen of the driving and anchoring members. The polymer flows from the central lumen of the driving member, through the central lumen of the anchoring member, and into the marrow space of the vertebral bodies. This material passes through the perforations (i.e., openings) of the anchoring member into the marrow space of the vertebral body, contiguous with or adjacent to the anchoring member tip that is inside the marrow space. The polymer clouds in some embodiments form a spherical or ellipsoidal “cloud” of PMMA contiguous with the anchoring member tip. Once the polymer cloud hardens, the surface contours of the anchoring member serve to anchor this member to the vertebral body and prevent it from being withdrawn from the trabecular bone, and thereby enhances the structural integrity of the inserted fusion device yielding solid mechanical fusion.

To enhance the structural integrity of the coupling between the fusion device and the vertebral bodies, some embodiments define various surface contours along the anchoring member's tip. Examples of such contours include angled teeth and backfacing ridges. These contours (e.g., angled teeth and backfacing ridge) allow the anchoring member to pass through the fusion member's channel and into the bone (i.e., into the adjacent vertebral body). In some embodiments, hardening material might not be injected through the anchoring members. Instead the insertion of the anchoring members and particular variations for the anchoring tip contours prevent the anchoring members from being easily withdrawn from the bone.

In some embodiments, the anchoring member and driving member coupled together form a unified needle. In such an embodiment, the anchoring member is the embedded portion that is embedded in the vertebral bodies while the driving member is the retractable portion that is removed once the fusion member has been affixed to the vertebral bodies between which it is placed.

Once the anchoring members are in place, and the polymers have been injected into the marrow space of the vertebral bodies, the driving members and delivery mechanism may be removed, as mentioned above.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The novel features of the invention are set forth in the appended claims. However, for purpose of explanation, several embodiments of the invention are set forth in the following figures.

FIG. 1A provides a front perspective of the intervertebral apparatus.

FIGS. 1B and 1C provide different perspectives of an exploded view of the intervertebral apparatus.

FIGS. 2-3 illustrate the intervertebral apparatus in relation to two vertebral bodies between which the fusion member is placed.

FIG. 4 illustrates one perspective of the fusion member which includes channels through which anchoring mechanisms can be inserted and advanced.

FIGS. 5A-5B provide an illustration of the fusion member and retention grooves without the retention rods of the delivery mechanism.

FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of the delivery mechanism coupled with the fusion member.

FIG. 7A illustrates the delivery housing from the perspective of the operator.

FIGS. 7B-7C illustrate the delivery housing with two retention rods in the delivery housing channels from the perspective of the operator and from the perspective opposite of the operator.

FIGS. 8-9 provide different perspectives of the retention rod of the delivery mechanism.

FIGS. 10A-10C (1) illustrate an example of the process of controllably detaching the delivery mechanism from the fusion member and (2) provide a detailed view of one of the retention rods.

FIG. 11 illustrates a detailed view of the retention rod teeth coupled with the retention groove.

FIG. 12 illustrates a cross-section of the retention rod coupled with the retention groove.

FIG. 13 shows alternative embodiments of retention teeth of the retention rods.

FIG. 14 shows two anchoring mechanisms in their initial configuration inside the channels of the delivery housing and fusion member.

FIG. 15 shows two anchoring mechanisms in their final configuration after the anchoring members have been advanced into the vertebral bodies.

FIG. 16 illustrates a perspective view of two anchoring members inside the fusion member channels.

FIG. 17 depicts two anchoring members that have almost been fully advanced through the fusion member channels.

FIG. 18 depicts the flexibility of the anchoring member.

FIGS. 19-21 illustrate different views of the driving members and the anchoring members coupled and decoupled with the intervening members.

FIGS. 22A-22B illustrate exploded views of the pivoting mechanism from different perspectives.

FIGS. 23A-23B shows the driving members connecting directly with the anchoring members (i.e., no intervening member).

FIGS. 24A-24B shows different views and configurations of coupling mechanisms connected directly with the anchoring members and the driving members.

FIGS. 25A-25D provide detailed illustrations of the coupling mechanism.

FIGS. 26A-C show two anchoring members that have been inserted through the fusion member and into the vertebral bodies.

FIGS. 27A-27B depict the placement of one fusion member between adjacent vertebral bodies, a set of two anchoring members that have affixed the fusion member to the vertebral bodies, and the coalescence of the polymer collections that resulted following injections of the polymers via anchoring members.

FIGS. 28A-28B depict placement of two fusion members within the right and left paramedian disc space of adjacent vertebral bodies, multiple sets of anchoring members that have affixed the two fusion members to the vertebral bodies, and the coalescence of polymer clouds following the polymer injections.

FIG. 29 depicts a medical procedure that involves the insertion of the apparatus of some embodiments.

FIGS. 30-33 illustrate different views of an interbody fusion member comprising curved tubular channels with distal openings on the superior block face and inferior block face.

FIG. 34 illustrates a detailed view of the anchoring member tips of one embodiment.

FIGS. 35-36 illustrate different views of anchoring members that have been advanced through the semicircular tubular channels of the fusion member into the marrow space of the vertebral bodies.

FIG. 37 illustrates PMMA injections through the anchoring members above and below the fusion member.

FIGS. 38-40 illustrate different views of an alternative fusion member embodiment with nonparallel angled curved channels extending to the inferior and superior block faces.

FIGS. 41-42 illustrate different views of an alternative fusion member embodiment comprising oblique linear channels that are traversed by straight anchoring members which are rectangular in cross-sectional profile.

FIG. 43 illustrates the tip of the straight anchoring members which are rectangular in cross-sectional profile.

FIGS. 44-45 illustrate different views of PMMA that has been injected and forms collections contiguous with the perforated, contoured tips of anchoring members within the marrow spaces of adjacent vertebral bodies.

FIGS. 46A, 46B, and 47 illustrate different views of an alternative fusion member embodiment comprising curved tubular channels that run in parallel planes with respect to each other but are nonparallel to the adjacent faces of the fusion block member.

FIGS. 48A-48D illustrate alternative anchoring member tips.

FIG. 49 illustrates various surface contours of the fusion member.

FIG. 50 illustrates an alternative retention rod with retention teeth of variable dimensions.

FIG. 51 illustrates an alternative retention rod with retention teeth of variable dimensions engaging retention grooves of matching profile in a fusion member. FIG. 52 shows a fusion member with four channels and four anchoring members that are advanced into these fusion member channels.

FIG. 53 shows four anchoring members that have been inserted through the fusion member and into the vertebral bodies.

FIG. 54 depicts the placement of one fusion member between adjacent vertebral bodies, a set of four anchoring members that have affixed the fusion member to the vertebral bodies, and the coalescence of the polymer collections that resulted following injections of the polymers via anchoring members.

FIG. 55 depicts placement of two fusion members within the right and left paramedian disc space of adjacent vertebral bodies, multiple sets of anchoring members that have affixed the two fusion members to the vertebral bodies, and the coalescence of polymer clouds following the polymer injections.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In the following description, numerous details are set forth to provide a better understanding of the various embodiments of the invention. However, one of reasonable skill in the art will realize that the invention may be practiced without the use of the specific details presented herein. In some instances of describing the invention, well-known structures may be omitted or shown in block diagram form to avoid obscuring the description of the invention with unnecessary detail. Therefore, the examples provided herein for description and clarification should not be interpreted as in anyway limiting the language of the claims.

I. OVERVIEW

Some embodiments of the invention provide an apparatus that (1) delivers a fusion member between two vertebral bodies after at least a portion of the fibrocartilaginous disc between the vertebral bodies has been removed, and (2) affixes the fusion member to the vertebral bodies. In some embodiments, the apparatus includes (1) a fusion member that is delivered and positioned between the vertebral bodies, (2) a delivery mechanism that delivers and positions the fusion member between the vertebral bodies, and (3) an anchoring member that affixes the fusion member to vertebral bodies.

In some embodiments, the interbody fusion member is a shaped block (e.g., a rectangular or oblong block) with one or more channels (e.g., tubular channels). As mentioned above, this member is placed between endplates of adjacent vertebrae following a partial or complete discectomy. In this position, two or more sides of the fusion member are in contact with the opposed endplates. These contacting sides may be parallel to each other, or nonparallel such that the fusion member presents a tapered profile when viewed laterally so as to restore both disc height and physiologic lordosis. In this position, one or more anchoring members (e.g., one or more open-tipped or close-tipped needles) can be pushed through the one or more channels of the fusion member and into the marrow space of one or more of the vertebral bodies, in order to affix the fusion member to the vertebral bodies. This is further described below.

In some embodiments, the delivery mechanism that delivers the fusion member between vertebral bodies includes (1) a delivery housing that houses the anchoring mechanism and (2) a retention mechanism that couples the delivery housing to the fusion member. In some embodiments, the delivery housing also includes channels that guide retention rods of the retention mechanism of some embodiments.

In some embodiments, the retention rods have retention teeth that mate with retention grooves on the fusion member. The retention rods, grooves, and teeth form the retention mechanism of some embodiments. Other embodiments might have different retention mechanisms. For instance, in some embodiments, the retention teeth are on the fusion member while the retention grooves are on the retention rod. Moreover, instead of, or in conjunction with, this tooth and groove approach, one of ordinary skill will realize that other embodiments use other retention structures (e.g., other male/female structures, other structures such as expandable clasps that encapsulate the lateral edges of the fusion member, other structures such as a clamp, etc.) to affix the delivery mechanism to the fusion member.

The retention mechanism is used in some embodiments as a way of controllably detaching the delivery mechanism from the fusion member after the medical practitioner (1) determines that the fusion member is placed at the desired position between two vertebral bodies, and (2) inserts the anchoring members into the vertebral bodies in order to affix the fusion member to the vertebral bodies. When the medical practitioner determines (e.g., by viewing x-ray images of the patient) that the fusion member is not placed at an appropriate position between two vertebral bodies, he can use the delivery mechanism to reposition the fusion member to the desired location. One of ordinary skill will realize that the delivery mechanism and/or retention mechanism of some embodiments can be used for delivery of any type of interbody fusion members between two vertebral bodies (e.g., even those that do not utilize anchoring members and/or PMMA or bone cement).

As mentioned above, the anchoring members (e.g., large gauge needles 1-10 mm in outer diameter) are pushed through the channels of the delivery mechanism and the fusion member and into the marrow space of the vertebral bodies, in order to affix the fusion member to the vertebral bodies. Moreover, in some embodiments, polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) or other bone cement or hardening polymer material, is injected through the anchoring members and into the vertebral bodies. In the marrow space of the vertebral bodies, this injected material forms a cloud around the tip of the anchoring member and hardens after a duration of time. Once this injected material hardens, it further solidifies the attachment of the fusion member to the vertebral bodies. To facilitate such injections, the anchoring members have hollow channels and perforated tips in some embodiments.

In some embodiments, the anchoring members are part of an anchoring mechanism that also includes driving members that advance the anchoring members through the fusion member channels into vertebral bodies. Some embodiments of the invention provide a coupling mechanism that couples each anchoring member to a corresponding driving member. In some embodiments, each driving member includes (1) a shaft that advances the anchoring member fully into the fusion member or withdraws the anchoring member from the fusion member and (2) a central lumen that provides a conduit for delivering polymers to the anchoring member.

The central lumen in the driving member aligns with the hollow channel (i.e., lumen) in its corresponding anchoring member once the anchoring member is in its desired position inside a vertebral body. Accordingly, once the driving members push the anchoring members into the vertebral bodies, hardening material (e.g., PMMA, bone cement, or other hardening polymer) may be injected through the central lumen of the driving and anchoring members. The polymer flows from the central lumen of the driving member, through the central lumen of the anchoring member, and into the marrow space of the vertebral bodies. This material passes through the perforations (i.e., openings) of the anchoring member into the marrow space of the vertebral body, contiguous with or adjacent to the anchoring member tip that is inside the marrow space. The polymer clouds in some embodiments form a spherical or ellipsoidal “cloud” of PMMA contiguous with the anchoring member tip. Once the polymer cloud hardens, the surface contours of the anchoring member serve to anchor this member to the vertebral body and prevent it from being withdrawn from the trabecular bone, and thereby enhances the structural integrity of the inserted fusion device yielding solid mechanical fusion.

To enhance the structural integrity of the coupling between the fusion device and the vertebral bodies, some embodiments define various surface contours along the anchoring member's shaft. Examples of such contours include angled teeth and backfacing ridges. These contours (e.g., angled teeth and backfacing ridge) allow the anchoring member to pass through the fusion member's channel and into the bone (i.e., into the adjacent vertebral body). In some embodiments, hardening material might not be injected through the anchoring members. Instead, the insertion of the anchoring members and particular variations for the anchoring tip contours prevent the anchoring members from being easily withdrawn from the bone.

In some embodiments, the anchoring member and driving member coupled together form a unified entity, the anchoring member. In such an embodiment, the anchoring member is the embedded portion that is embedded in the vertebral bodies while the driving member is the retractable portion that is removed once the fusion member has been affixed to the vertebral bodies between which it is placed.

Once the anchoring members are in place, and the polymers have been injected into the marrow space of the vertebral bodies, the driving members and delivery mechanism may be removed, as mentioned above.

One of ordinary skill will realize that although several embodiments have been described above, other embodiments might be implemented or operated differently. For instance, before advancing the anchoring members into the vertebral bodies as described above, some embodiments first advance a smaller gauge anchoring member into the marrow space of the adjacent vertebral body before placement of the large gauge anchoring member. This creates a guide to help ensure the large gauge anchoring member will be advanced into the proper position within the trabecular bone of the vertebral body.

To better understand these embodiments, it is helpful to understand relevant terminology and describe an example of the invention in use. Therefore, the following sections present relevant terminology, and provide an overview of an exemplary fusion procedure of some embodiments and of a number of specific design features and variations.

II. DEFINITIONS AND TERMINOLOGY

The spinal column of humans and other vertebrates comprises vertebral bodies and posterior osseous elements that provide structural support and also serve to protect the spinal cord and other spinal canal contents. The vertebral bodies are the cylindrical segmental osseous structures that form the anterior margin of the spinal canal and are separated from each other by fibrocartilaginous intervertebral discs. In the present discussion, the term “fusion member” refers to a device positioned between vertebral bodies. In some embodiments, the fusion member has one or more channels for the passage of contoured anchoring members and/or the retention and positioning of bone graft material or bone graft substitutes between adjacent vertebral bodies.

III. COMPONENTS OF THE FUSION MEMBER, DELIVERY MECHANISM, AND ANCHORING MEMBER(S)

Some embodiments of the invention provide an apparatus that (1) delivers a fusion member between two vertebral bodies after at least a portion of the fibrocartilaginous disc between the vertebral bodies has been removed, and (2) affixes the fusion member to the vertebral bodies.

FIGS. 1-3 illustrate an example of one such apparatus according to some embodiments. FIG. 1A provides a front view of the apparatus 110. FIGS. 1B and 1C provide different perspectives of an exploded view of the apparatus 110. FIG. 2 provides a side view of the apparatus 110 in relation to two vertebral bodies 210-220 between which a fusion member 120 is placed. FIG. 3 provides a rear view of the apparatus 110 in relation to the two vertebral bodies 210-220 between which the fusion member 120 is placed. As shown in these figures, the apparatus 110 includes (1) a fusion member 120 that is delivered and positioned between the vertebral bodies 210-220, (2) a delivery mechanism 130 that delivers and positions the fusion member 120 between the vertebral bodies 210-220, and (3) anchoring mechanisms 140 that affix the fusion member 120 to the vertebral bodies 210-220. Each of these components will be described in further detail below.

A. Fusion Member

As mentioned above, the apparatus 110 includes a fusion member 120 that is delivered and positioned between the vertebral bodies 210-220. The fusion member 120 includes (1) two channels through which two anchoring mechanisms can be advanced, and (2) retention grooves of a retention mechanism for attaching the fusion member to the delivery mechanism.

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of the fusion member 120. In this and some of the subsequent figures, fusion members are shown transparently to facilitate an appreciation of the spatial relationships between multiple channels and their openings upon multiple faces of the fusion member.

As shown in FIG. 4, the fusion member 120 includes channels 410 and 440 through which anchoring mechanisms can be inserted and advanced. Channel 410 has a distal opening 420 on the superior face 430 of the fusion member 120. Channel 440 has a distal opening 450 on the inferior face 460 of the fusion member 120. Channel 410 has a proximal opening 470 on the proximal face 490 of the fusion member 120. Channel 440 also has a proximal opening 480 on the proximal face 490 of the fusion member 120. Some embodiments of the fusion member provide a recess of increased diameter (e.g., flange cavity, anchoring member cavity, etc.) on the channel opening on the proximal face of the fusion member (shown in 1685 and 1690 in FIGS. 16 and 1720 in FIG. 17). As shown in this example, the cross-sectional planes of the fusion member channels 410 and 440 are parallel to each other, but are not parallel to the right and left face of the fusion member 120. The distal opening 420 of channel 410 is located on the center of the superior 430 face of the fusion member. Similarly, the distal opening 450 of channel 440 is located on the center of the inferior 460 face of the fusion member. Even though the fusion member channels shown in these figures are curved and tubular, one of ordinary skill in the art will know that the channels may be other shapes or configurations in other embodiments as later described in Section V.

FIG. 5A provides an illustration of the fusion member 120 and two sets of retention grooves 150 located on the left side of the fusion member 120 without the retention rods of the delivery mechanism. The two sets of retention grooves on the right side of the fusion member are not shown in this figure. FIG. 5B provides a front perspective of the fusion member 120 with two channels 530. This figure shows two sets of retention grooves 150 located on the left side of the fusion member 120 and two sets of retention grooves 150 located on the right side of the fusion member 120. The two sets of retention grooves couple with the retention rods of the delivery mechanism. Both the delivery mechanism and the retention rods will be described in further detail below.

As shown in FIGS. 5A-5B, each set of retention grooves 150 includes two grooves (i.e., indentations, cavities, etc.) that differ in diameter, a first set of grooves 520 having a smaller diameter than a second set of grooves 510. These figures show the first set of grooves 520 having six indentations smaller in diameter than the second set of grooves 510 having five indentations larger in diameter. The first set of grooves 520 couples with the shaft of a retention rod while the second set of grooves 510 couples with the teeth of the retention rod. In some embodiments, the sets of retention grooves of the fusion member couple with retention rods of the delivery mechanism to form a retention mechanism. The retention teeth of the rods are the male coupling members of the retention mechanism while the retention grooves of the fusion members are the female coupling members of this mechanism.

In the example illustrated in FIGS. 5A-5B, two sets of retention grooves 150 are located on the left side of the fusion member and two sets of retention grooves are located on the right side of the fusion member. However, one of ordinary skill in the art will realize that the retention mechanism and retention grooves can be in another location on the fusion member, such as in the interior of the fusion member, and can vary in shape, size, and number. Also, other embodiments might have different retention mechanisms. For instance, in some embodiments, the retention teeth are on the fusion member while the retention grooves are on the retention rod. Moreover, instead of, or in conjunction with, this tooth and groove approach, one of ordinary skill will realize that other embodiments use other retention structures (e.g., other male/female structures, other structures such as expandable clasps that encapsulate the lateral edges of the fusion member, other structures such as a clamp, etc.) to affix the delivery mechanism to the fusion member.

In some embodiments, the fusion member can be composed of any number of materials, such as metals (e.g., stainless steel, titanium, or nitinol), various polymers (e.g., PMMA or polyetheretherketone), carbon fiber, etc. The fusion member can also be partially or be completely made of bioabsorbable or biodegradable materials, so that it can be partially or be completely absorbed. In some embodiments, the fusion member's faces that are in contact with the vertebral endplates may have surface contours such as ridges to enhance stability. The fusion member can also include additional channels or cavities to be packed with bone graft material or bone graft substitutes to enhance progressive solid bony fusion. Bone graft material and bone graft substitutes can also be packed into the intervertebral space surrounding and between the fusion members to enhance progressive solid bony fusion. The fusion member can also be coated with or partially be composed of human bone morphogenetic protein or other bone growth inducing substances.

Typically, the fusion member is inserted between adjacent vertebral bodies after at least some of the fibrocartilaginous disc between the adjacent vertebral bodies is removed during a partial or complete discectomy. Once the fusion member is delivered to the proper location between adjacent vertebral bodies, two or more sides of the fusion member may be in contact with the opposed endplates of the adjacent vertebral bodies. These contacting sides may be parallel to each other, or nonparallel such that the fusion member presents a tapered profile when viewed laterally so as the restore both disc height and physiologic lordosis. The delivery mechanism that inserts the fusion member between the vertebral bodies will be described below.

B. Delivery Mechanism

As mentioned above, the delivery mechanism delivers the fusion member between adjacent vertebral bodies. FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of the delivery mechanism 130 coupled with the fusion member 120. The delivery mechanism includes (1) a delivery housing 610 that houses the anchoring mechanism and retention rods 160, and (2) four retention rods 160 that couple the delivery housing 610 with the fusion member 120. From this perspective, only three of the four retention rods can be seen.

FIG. 7A illustrates the delivery housing 610 from the perspective of the operator. FIGS. 7B and 7C illustrate the delivery housing with two retention rods 160 in channels 710 from the perspective of the operator and from the perspective opposite of the operator. The delivery housing 610 includes circular channels 710 and 720 that run the entire length of the delivery housing 610, from the distal end of the delivery housing to the proximal end of the delivery housing. These channels have the same diameter throughout the entire length of the channel. The two channels 720 house and guide the anchoring mechanism (not pictured) to the proper channel opening of the fusion member, whereas the four channels 710 house and retain the retention rods. One of ordinary skill in the art will realize that any number of channels that house the retention rods and the anchoring mechanism can be used. The delivery housing channels can be of various shapes and sizes to accommodate the various shapes and sizes of the anchoring mechanism and retention rods. The anchoring mechanism will be described in further detail in Section C.

As mentioned above, the retention mechanism attaches the delivery housing to the fusion member. In some embodiments, the retention mechanism is used as a way of controllably detaching the delivery mechanism from the fusion member after the medical practitioner determines that the fusion member is placed at the desired position between two vertebral bodies.

The retention mechanism includes retention rods 160 of the delivery mechanism 130 and sets of retention grooves 150 of the fusion member 120, which couple with retention rods 160 of the delivery mechanism 130. As shown in FIGS. 8-9 each retention rod includes (1) a shaft 810 with a distal end that couples with the retention grooves 520 with the smaller diameter, (2) retention teeth 910 on the distal end of the shaft 810 that couple with retention grooves 510 with the larger diameter, and (3) a handle 820 on the proximal end of the shaft that rotates the retention rod.

FIGS. 10A-10C step through an example of the process of controllably detaching the delivery mechanism 130 from the fusion member 120 once the delivery mechanism is no longer needed.

FIG. 10A shows the initial configuration of two retention rods 160 of the delivery mechanism 130 fully coupled with two sets of retention grooves of the fusion member 120. In this figure, the retention rod 160 is fully coupled with a set of retention grooves of the fusion member 120. In this configuration, the delivery rod 160 and delivery housing (e.g., the delivery mechanism 130) is fixedly coupled with the fusion member 120. This configuration allows the fusion member 120 to be delivered between adjacent vertebral bodies. After the fusion member 120 has been delivered, a medical practitioner determines (e.g., by viewing x-ray images of the patient) whether the fusion member is in the correct position. If a determination is made that fusion member is not in the correct position between two vertebral bodies, the delivery mechanism can be used to reposition the fusion member to the desired location. When the medical practitioner determines that the fusion member is placed at the desired position between two vertebral bodies, and anchoring members have affixed the fusion member to the vertebral bodies, the retention mechanism can be used to controllably detach the delivery mechanism 130 from the fusion member 120. The controllable detachment of the delivery mechanism from the fusion member is initiated by the uncoupling of each retention rod from each set of retention grooves.

FIG. 10B shows a single retention rod 160 partially uncoupled from a set of retention grooves of the fusion member. In this configuration, the retention rod 160 is rotated 180 degrees so that the retention teeth 910 are disengaged from the retention grooves 510 that have the larger diameter. This configuration allows the retention rod 160 to be withdrawn from the set of retention grooves of the fusion member.

FIG. 10C shows the distal end of the shaft of the retention rod 160 after the shaft has been pulled away from the fusion member so that it no longer resides in the smaller retention grooves 520 of the fusion member. Once the shaft of the retention rod has been withdrawn from the set of retention grooves and from the fusion member, the process can be repeated to uncouple the remaining retention rods from the fusion member. When all of the retention rods have been uncoupled from the fusion member, the delivery mechanism can be detached from the fusion member and removed from the patient.

FIGS. 11-12 illustrate a detailed view of the retention rod teeth 910 coupled with the set of larger-diameter retention grooves 510 of the fusion member. As shown in FIG. 11, the retention teeth encompass less than 180 degrees of the retention rod shaft. This facilitates clearance between the retention teeth 910 and the larger-diameter retention grooves 510 when uncoupling the retention teeth 910 from these grooves 510 and when withdrawing the retention rod 160 away from the fusion member and out of the smaller-diameter retention grooves.

FIG. 12 illustrates a cross-section of the retention teeth 910 fully coupled with the larger-diameter retention grooves 510 to show the flared shape of the retention teeth. The width of the retention teeth increases as the distance increases from its base 1210 (i.e., where the retention teeth 910 attach to the retention rod 160). The tip 1220 of each retention tooth has the largest width while the base 1210 of each retention tooth has the smallest width. This flared shape prevents any movement of the retention rod along the plane of the x, y, or z axis (i.e., prevents any horizontal or vertical movement, including the outward lateral movement of the retention rod from the fusion member) when the teeth of the retention rod are fully coupled with the larger-diameter retention grooves.

Even though the retention teeth 910 shown in these figures are flared and encompass less than 180 degrees of the retention rod shaft, one of ordinary skill in the art will realize that alternative shapes of retention teeth may be utilized (as shown in FIG. 13) to couple the retention rod with each set of retention grooves of the fusion member. One of ordinary skill in the art will also realize that different configurations and different numbers of retention teeth can be utilized to affix the delivery mechanism to the fusion member. In some embodiments, the retention teeth may be on the fusion member and the retention groove may be on the retention rod. Instead of, or in conjunction with, this tooth and groove approach, other embodiments of the invention can use other structures (e.g., other male/female structures, other structures such as expandable clasps that encapsulate the lateral edges of the fusion member, other structures such as a clamp, etc.) to affix the delivery mechanism to the fusion member.

As mentioned above, the delivery housing channels house and guide the anchoring mechanism to the proper location in the fusion member. Different embodiments of different housing channels can guide the anchoring mechanism to the proper location in the fusion member. In some embodiments, a circular channel with a constant diameter throughout its entire length can guide the anchoring mechanism as shown in FIGS. 7A-7C. Other embodiments have channels of different shapes and sizes. One such alternative embodiment is a square or rectangular channel with increasing and decreasing diameter towards the distal end of the delivery housing as will be described in the next section in reference to FIG. 14.

C. Anchoring Mechanism

Different embodiments of the invention use different anchoring mechanisms. Some embodiments use an anchoring mechanism formed by three pieces—an anchoring/embedded member, an intervening member, and a driving/retractable member. In some embodiments, the anchoring/embedded member, intervening member, and the driving/retractable member couple with each other to form a unified needle. Other embodiments use an anchoring mechanism formed by two pieces—an anchoring/embedded member and a driving/retractable member. In some embodiments, the anchoring/embedded member and the driving/retractable member couple with each other to form a unified needle. The different embodiments of the anchoring mechanism will now be described in detail below.

1. Pivoting Anchoring Mechanism with Intervening Member

As mentioned above, some embodiments use an anchoring mechanism formed by three pieces—an anchoring/embedded member, an intervening member, and a driving/retractable member. FIG. 14 shows one such embodiment of the anchoring mechanism. In this figure, two anchoring mechanisms are in their initial configuration inside the channels 1465 and 1475 of the delivery housing 610 and the fusion member 120. The anchoring mechanisms include (1) anchoring members 1410-1420 that affix the fusion member 120 to adjacent vertebral bodies, (2) intervening members 1470 and 1480, and (3) driving members 1430-1440 that advance the anchoring members 1410-1420 through the fusion member channels into the vertebral bodies. The driving members 1430-1440 include (1) shafts that advance the anchoring members 1410-1420 fully into the fusion member 120 or withdraws the anchoring members 1410-1420 from the fusion member 120 and (2) central lumens that provide a conduit for delivering polymers to the anchoring members 1410-1420. The intervening members 1470 and 1480 have central lumens (e.g., channels) as well. The central lumen in the driving members 1430-1440 and intervening members 1470 and 1480 align with the hollow channels (i.e., lumen) of their corresponding anchoring members 1410-1420 once the anchoring members 1410-1420 are advanced to their desired position inside the vertebral bodies.

In some embodiments, the driving members 1430-1440 completely withdraw the anchoring members 1410-1420 from the fusion member channels. In other embodiments, the driving members 1430-1440 partially withdraw the anchoring members 1410-1420 from the fusion member channels, with at least a portion of the anchoring members 1410-1420 reside in the fusion member channels.

FIG. 15 shows the anchoring mechanisms in a configuration after the anchoring members 1410-1420 have been advanced into the vertebral bodies. When the anchoring mechanisms are fully advanced, the tips of the anchoring members 1410-1420 extend out of the fusion member channels and beyond the boundaries of the fusion member 120 into the marrow space of adjacent vertebral bodies. In this configuration, the anchoring members 1410-1420, the driving members 1430-1440, and intervening members 1470 and 1480 as well as their central lumens are aligned. This alignment provides an unobstructed pathway for the polymer to flow from the driving members 1430-1440 through the intervening members 1470 and 1480 and into the anchoring members 1410-1420. FIGS. 14 and 15 also show an alternative embodiment of the delivery housing channels as mentioned above. As shown in these figures, the delivery housing channels 1465 and 1475 has two sections.

A first section of the delivery housing channel has a diameter that increases towards the distal end of the delivery housing 610 (i.e., has increasing cross sections along the anchoring mechanism's path of the movement). In this section, the top side and bottom side of the delivery housing channel taper away from each other (i.e., the top side inclines away from the proximal opening while the bottom side declines away from the proximal opening). The increasing diameter provides sufficient space to allow the anchoring members 1410 and 1420 and the intervening members 1470 and 1480 to be at an angle with the driving members 1430 and 1440 as shown in its initial configuration. In addition, the increased diameter provides sufficient space to allow the anchoring members 1410 and 1420 and the intervening members 1470 and 1480 to pivot with the driving members 1430 and 1440.

A second section of the delivery housing channel has a diameter that decreases towards the distal end of the delivery housing 610 (i.e., has decreasing cross sections along the anchoring mechanism's path of movement). In this section, the top side and bottom side of the delivery housing channel taper toward each other (i.e., the top side declines towards the distal opening while the bottom side inclines towards the distal opening). The tapered (i.e. angled) top and bottom sides of this section (1) promote the anchoring member to pivot at an angle with the driving member and (2) guide the driving member towards the distal opening of the delivery housing channel. In some embodiments, each delivery housing channel has a shape of two trapezoids where the bases of the trapezoids are facing each other.

The transition of the anchoring mechanism from its initial configuration to its final configuration involves the tapered sides of the delivery housing channel's second section. As mentioned above, the tapered top and bottom sides of the second section promotes the anchoring member to pivot with the driving member. While the anchoring mechanism is in its initial configuration, force can be applied to the driving member in a first direction to advance the driving member towards the distal end of the delivery housing channel. When the driving member is advanced to the tapered sides of the delivery housing channel's second section, the tapered sides promote the anchoring member to pivot at an angle with the driving member. As the driving member is further advanced in this first direction, the distal end of the driving member travels down the tapered side toward the distal opening of the delivery housing. Since the anchoring member is at an angle with the driving member, the anchoring member is advanced in a second direction that is at an angle with the first direction. The anchoring member is advanced through the curved fusion member channel and into the vertebral body. Since the fusion member channel is curved, the path that the anchoring member travels is also curved. Hence, the second direction changes angles in relation to the first direction throughout the advancement of the driving member and anchoring member. From the initial configuration of the anchoring mechanism to its final configuration, the tip of the anchoring member travels in a semi-circular path of movement.

Accordingly, once the driving members 1430-1440 push the anchoring members 1410-1420 into the vertebral bodies, hardening material (e.g., PMMA, bone cement, or other hardening polymer) may be injected through the central lumen of the driving members, through the central lumen of the anchoring members, and into the marrow space of the vertebral bodies.

FIG. 16 illustrates a perspective view of the anchoring members 1410-1420. As shown in this figure, the anchoring members 1410-1420 have several (e.g., three) distal perforations 1605-1630, central lumens 1635-1640, flanged bases 1645-1650, and female coupling components 1655-1660 that couple with male coupling components of intervening or driving members, as further described below. The distal perforations 1605-1630 of the anchoring members 1410-1420 communicate directly with the central lumens 1635-1640, which extend from the distal perforations 1605-1630 to the flanged bases 1645-1650 and their proximal openings 1665-1670. Polymer material can be injected through the central lumen of the driving and intervening members, into the openings 1665-1670 of the anchoring members 1410-1420, through the central lumens 1635-1640 of the anchoring members 1410-1420, and out of the perforations 1605-1630 to be delivered to the marrow space of vertebral bodies. As shown in this figure, the anchoring members 1410-1420 in some embodiments have surface contours 1675-1680 along their distal segment. In some embodiments, these surface contours may be angled teeth, back-facing retention ridges, or other surface contours. These surface contours assist in the retention of the anchoring members 1410-1420 within the vertebral bodies after injection and hardening of PMMA thereby further solidifying the anchoring of the fusion member 120 between the vertebral bodies.

In some embodiments, flanges 1645-1650 at the base of the anchoring members 1410-1420 fit into recesses (i.e., flange cavity, anchoring member cavity, etc.) 1685-1690 of the fusion member channels locking the anchoring members 1410-1420 to the fusion member 120 once the anchoring members are fully advanced through the fusion member's channels. FIG. 17 illustrates the flange cavities 1720 at the proximal end of each fusion member channel 1730 that aid in affixing each anchoring member to the fusion member 120 when the anchoring members are fully advanced. In this figure, the anchoring members have not been fully advanced through the fusion member's channels to provide a clear illustration of fusion member's flange cavities 1720 and the flange bases 1710 of the anchoring members. In some embodiments, the flange cavity's shape and the anchoring member's base shape may slightly differ. This shape difference still allows the anchoring member to be inserted into fusion member channel, but provides friction between the flange base of the anchoring member and the flange cavity of the fusion member channel, when the anchoring member has been fully advanced, to lock the anchoring member to the fusion member. In some embodiments, the flange cavity may have at least one tooth (not pictured) protruding toward the center of the cavity opening that locks the anchoring member to the fusion member when the anchoring member is fully advanced through the fusion member's channels. In addition, this tooth prevents the anchoring member from rotating when the driving member is uncoupled from the anchoring member which will be described detail in FIGS. 24A-24B.

In some embodiments, the anchoring member can be composed of a material or a combination of materials that provides flexibility as shown in FIG. 18. To provide flexibility, the anchoring member can be composed of materials such as nitinol, stainless steel, titanium or other metals, metallic alloys, or high density polymers, carbon fiber, collagen or other biological materials, completely absorbable or partially absorbable material, or of a combination of these materials. In some embodiments, the tip of the anchoring member may be open or closed.

As mentioned above by reference to FIG. 14, some embodiments of the invention provide coupling mechanisms 1450-1460 that couple the anchoring members 1410-1420 to their corresponding driving members 1430-1440. In other embodiments, intervening members 1470-1480 (1) couple the driving members 1430-1440 with the anchoring members 1410-1420 and (2) provide pivoting mechanisms 1490-1495 that allow the anchoring members 1410-1420 and the intervening members 1470-1780 to pivot with the driving members 1430-1440. In some embodiments, the anchoring members, driving members, and intervening members all couple together to form a unified needle.

FIGS. 19-21 illustrate the driving members 1900 and the anchoring members 1910 coupled with the intervening members 1920. As shown in these figures, each driving member includes (1) a shaft 2030 that can advance the anchoring member 1910 fully into the fusion member and can withdraw the anchoring member 1910 partially or fully from the fusion member, (2) two pins 2020 that mate with two holes in an intervening member 1920 to enable the pivoting of the intervening member 1920 about the driving member 1900, and (3) a central lumen 2110 (as shown in FIG. 21) that provides a conduit for delivering polymers to the anchoring member. The central lumen extends the entire length of the driving member 1900, the intervening member 1920, and the anchoring member 1910.

FIGS. 20-21 show different views of the distal end of the driving member 1900 and the intervening member 1920 in relation to the anchoring member 1910. In these figures, the driving member 1900 and intervening member 1920 are shown in their coupled and decoupled configurations with the anchoring member 1910. The intervening member 1920 includes a male member 2010 of the coupling mechanism 1450 that couples with the female member 2015 of the coupling mechanism 1450 on the anchoring member 1910. These figures also illustrate the male coupling component 2010 of the intervening member 1920 rotatably and slidably coupling with the female coupling component 2015 of an anchoring member 1910. In these examples, the male member 2010 couples with the female member 2015 by inserting the male member 2010 into the female member 2015 and rotating it in a clockwise manner, as further described below by reference to FIGS. 24A-24B.

The intervening member 1920 also includes two holes that mate with the two pins of the driving member. As mentioned above, the mating allows the intervening member 1920 to pivot with the driving member 1900 and additionally couples the driving member 1900 with the intervening member 1920. FIGS. 22A-22B illustrate exploded views of the pivoting mechanism from different perspectives. As shown in these figures, the pivoting mechanism comprises protruding pegs (i.e., pins) 2210 on the distal end of the driving member shaft, and holes 2220 for engaging the pegs 2210. In some embodiments, the protruding pegs 2210, and the holes 2220 are round to allow the intervening member 1920 to pivot around the driving member 1900. In some embodiments, the distal end of the driving member shaft is rounded at the tip 2230, and fits into a rounded concave indentation 2240 of the intervening member 1920. This also facilitates the pivoting motion between the intervening member 1920 and the driving member 1900. The pivoting movement between the driving member 1900 and the intervening member 1920 facilitates the advancement of the anchoring members 1910 through the channels of the fusion member in a circular motion.

Once the anchoring member 1910 has been fully advanced through the fusion member channels and into the vertebral bodies, the pivoting mechanism aligns the driving members 1900, intervening members 1920, and the anchoring members 1910 as illustrated in FIG. 19. This alignment allows the central lumens 2110 of the driving members 1900, the intervening members 1920, and the anchoring members 1910 to align, providing an unobstructed pathway for the delivery of polymer through the driving members 1900, the intervening members 1920, the anchoring members 1910, and into the vertebral bodies.

In some embodiments, the coupling component of the coupling mechanism 1450-1460 is integral to the distal end of the driving member 1430-1440 as described in detail below.

2. Non-Pivoting Anchoring Mechanism

In some embodiments, the driving members 2320 connect directly to the anchoring members 2310 (i.e., no intervening member) as shown in FIGS. 23A-23B. In some embodiments, the anchoring member and driving member coupled together form a unified entity, the anchoring needle. In some embodiments, the anchoring member is the embedded portion that is embedded in the vertebral bodies while the driving member is the retractable portion that is removed once the fusion member has been affixed to the vertebral bodies between which it is placed. Specifically, the driving member's distal end includes the male member which directly couples with the female member of the anchoring member. The male member of the coupling mechanism is directly integrated into the distal end of the driving member. The female member of the coupling mechanism is directly integrated into the proximal end of the anchoring member.

In FIGS. 24A-24B, three configurations of the coupling mechanism 1450 are shown. These figures illustrate a fully coupled configuration 2450 of the anchoring member with the driving member, a partially coupled configuration 2460, and a fully decoupled configuration 2470. FIGS. 25A-25D provide detailed illustrations of the coupling mechanism. The coupling mechanism 1450 couples the intervening member with the anchoring member or couples the anchoring member with the driving member, and comprises a male member 2510, a female member 2520, and protruding arms 2530-2540. The male member 2510 includes (1) a protruding stub encompassing the central lumen of the driving member and (2) the arm 2530 for coupling with the arm 2540 on the anchoring member. The female coupling component 2520 includes (1) an indentation that leads to the central lumen of the anchoring member and (2) the arm 2540 that compliments and couples with the arm 2530 on driving member.

As mentioned above, the coupling mechanism is integrated into the distal end of the driving member in some embodiments (e.g. anchoring needle in FIGS. 24A-24B), while other embodiments utilize the intervening member and integrate the coupling mechanism into the intervening member. In either configuration, the anchoring member may detach from the driving member or intervening member by separating the coupling mechanism. To separate the coupling mechanism, the driving member shaft may be rotated until the interlocking arms clear each other, as shown in the configuration 2460 of FIGS. 24A-24B. Once the interlocking arms are clear of each other, the driving member and the intervening member may be pulled away and removed from the anchoring member, as shown in the configuration 2470. The separation of the coupling mechanism occurs when the fusion member has been properly positioned and after the polymer is injected (as further described by reference to FIGS. 26-28).

In some embodiments, the delivery housing channel of the non-pivoting anchoring mechanism can be circular and constant in diameter throughout the entire length of the channel as described above in FIGS. 7A-7C. In this embodiment, the flexibility of the needle allows the anchoring member to be advanced through the curved channel of the fusion member.

FIGS. 26-28 illustrate an example of the injection of PMMA, or other bone cement or hardening polymer, through the anchoring members and into the vertebral bodies. Any number of known techniques/procedures for injecting PMMA into the anchoring member can be used. One such technique involves injecting or pumping PMMA into the anchoring member through use of a needle or syringe.

In this example, two anchoring members are inserted into the two channels of a fusion member. One of ordinary skill will realize that the same operations can be performed for the embodiments that use four anchoring members through a fusion block with four channels as further described in Section V.

In FIGS. 26A-26C provide different views of two anchoring members 2610 that are fully advanced through the fusion member channels and into the marrow space of adjacent vertebral bodies 2620 immediately above and below the fusion member 120. Polymer can be injected through the central lumen of the anchoring members and out of the perforations of the anchoring members into the immediate surrounding area within the marrow space of the penetrated vertebrae. FIGS. 27A-27B depict different views of the coalescence of the polymer collections 2710-2720 that result following injections of these polymers via anchoring members 2610, respectively. The coalescence 2710-2720 of these polymers forms a spherical or ellipsoidal “cloud” contiguous with the tip 2730-2740 of the anchoring members 2610. In its initial state, the polymer is in a semi-fluid state or in a gel-like state that allows it to flow through the anchoring member channel and the openings of its tip to fill in the marrow space of the vertebral body and the contours of the anchoring member tip. However, within a short period of time, the polymer hardens within the marrow space, resulting in a structural union between anchoring members 2610 vertebral bodies 2620, and the fusion member 120. The contoured tips of the anchoring members in conjunction with the hardened polymer prevent withdrawal of the anchoring member 2610 from the trabecular bone and enhances the structural integrity of the fusion member 120. The final result is an intervertebral fusion member 120 anchored via multiple anchoring members 2610 to collections of hardened polymer 2710-2720 (e.g., PMMA or other bone cement) and to the trabecular bone of adjacent vertebral bodies 2620 yielding solid mechanical fusion. Once the anchoring members are in place, and the polymer has been injected into the marrow space of the vertebral bodies, the driving members may be disengaged from the anchoring members and removed from the patient.

Some embodiments insert more than one fusion member between a pair of adjacent vertebral bodies. One such example is illustrated in FIGS. 28A-28B. These figures depict placement of two fusion members 2810-2820 within the right and left paramedian disc space of vertebral bodies 2870-2880, multiple sets of anchoring members into the vertebral bodies 2870-2880, and coalescence of polymer “clouds” 2830-2860 following the polymer injections. The resultant polymer clouds from adjacent tips of anchoring members may form upon polymerization. The clouds along with multiple contoured and perforated anchoring members lock the fusion members 2810-2820 to the trabecular bone of vertebral bodies 2870-2880.

3. Anchoring Member

As mentioned above in reference to FIG. 18, the anchoring member can be composed of a material or a combination of materials that provides flexibility as shown in. To provide flexibility, the anchoring member can be composed of materials such as nitinol, stainless steel, titanium or other metals, metallic alloys, or high density polymers, carbon fiber, collagen or other biological materials, completely absorbable or partially absorbable material, or of a combination of these materials. In some embodiments, the tip of the anchoring member may be open or closed.

In some embodiments, the anchoring member can be composed of a bio-absorbable polymer such as collagen. Collagen allows the anchoring member to be resorbed by the patient three to four months after the anchoring member has been inserted into the vertebral body of the patient. Collagen also provides flexibility to allow the anchoring member to have a range of motion from 0 to 90 degrees. In some embodiments, the shaft of the anchoring member can be composed of collagen while the tip of the anchoring member can be composed of nitinol to facilitate penetration of the anchoring member into the vertebral body.

D. Fusion Apparatus

Typically, the intervertebral fusion apparatus which includes the anchoring member, fusion member, and delivery member may already be pre-assembled. The delivery housing and the retention rods are assembled to form the delivery mechanism. The fusion member is coupled to the delivery mechanism by the retention rods. The anchoring member is coupled to the driving member to form the anchoring mechanism. However, the anchoring mechanism may be pre-assembled to varying degrees in relation to the fusion member and the delivery mechanism. In some embodiments, the tip of the anchoring member of the anchoring mechanism is partially inserted in the fusion member channel. In other embodiments, the tip of the anchoring member is inserted into the channel of the delivery housing but not in the fusion member channel. Yet, in other embodiments, the anchoring mechanism is not inserted at all in the fusion member channel or in the delivery housing channel and may be inserted into the apparatus when needed.

IV. EXAMPLE OF A FUSION PROCEDURE

The operation of apparatus 110 will now be described. FIG. 29 depicts a medical procedure 2905 that involves the insertion of the apparatus 110 of some embodiments of the invention. In this procedure, a medical practitioner (e.g., a physician) initially performs (at 2910) a partial or complete discectomy, which typically involves making an incision in a patient and removing some or all of the fibrocartilaginous disc between two adjacent vertebral bodies. Any number of known techniques/procedures can be used to remove the disc at 2910.

Next, the medical practitioner inserts the intervertebral fusion device (at 2915) and positions (at 2915) the fusion member (e.g., one of the blocks described above) between the endplates of adjacent vertebrae. Any number of known techniques/procedures for inserting a fusion member between two adjacent vertebrae can be used (at 2915) to insert the intervertebral fusion device and position the interbody fusion member between adjacent vertebrae. One technique for inserting the fusion member involves the use of the delivery mechanism of the apparatus 110. In some embodiments, a radiograph or x-ray of the patient may be taken to determine if the fusion member is placed at an appropriate position between two vertebral bodies. If not, the medical practitioner can use the delivery mechanism to reposition the fusion member to the desired location.

Once the fusion member has been properly positioned, at least one anchoring member (e.g., large gauge needle) (at 2920) (1) is passed through the fusion member channels (at 2915) and (2) is advanced into the marrow space of the adjacent vertebral body by applying force on the proximal end of the driving member. In some embodiments, a flange at the base of each anchoring member fits into a recess of increased diameter where the tubular channel meets the exposed surface of the fusion member locking the anchoring member's position and anchoring it to the fusion member.

In some embodiments, the driving member is tapped, hammered, or simply pushed at its proximal end to advance the anchoring member into the vertebral body, which the anchoring member encounters as it exits the fusion member channel in which it is inserted. To facilitate this penetration, some embodiments insert a smaller gauge anchoring member into the channel of the fusion member and into the marrow space of the adjacent vertebral body before inserting the anchoring member at 2920. This creates a guide to help ensure the anchoring member will be advanced into the proper position within the trabecular bone of the vertebral body. In some embodiments, a radiograph may be taken of the anchoring members in relation to the marrow space of the vertebral bodies to determine if the anchoring members need to be repositioned. In other embodiments, a robotic arm may be used to advance the anchoring member into the vertebral body.

Once the anchoring member is in position, polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), other bone cement, or polymer, may be injected (at 2925) through the central channels of the driving member, intervening member (if any) and the anchoring member, through the anchoring member's openings/perforations, and into the marrow space of the vertebral body. Ideally, the injected material forms a spherical or ellipsoidal cloud of polymer material (e.g., PMMA) contiguous with the tip of the anchoring member.

In some embodiments, multiple anchoring members coupled with the driving member(s) may be advanced through multiple channels of the delivery housing and the fusion member into the same vertebral body. PMMA or other bone cement or polymer may be injected through the central lumen of these additional anchoring members. Accordingly, after 2925, a determination is made (at 2930) whether additional anchoring members need to be inserted into the fusion member inserted (at 2920). If so, additional anchoring member(s) are inserted (at 2920) through another channel of the fusion member, and polymer material is injected (at 2925) through the central lumen of the additional anchoring member and through its openings/perforations into the marrow space of vertebral body. The resultant polymer (PMMA) clouds from adjacent tips of the anchoring member may unite to form a single larger cloud upon polymerization, with multiple contoured and perforated anchoring members locked to the fusion member and anchored to the solid PMMA and trabecular bone of the vertebral body. The final result is an intervertebral fusion member anchored via multiple contoured, perforated anchoring members to collections of PMMA and to the trabecular bone of adjacent vertebral bodies yielding solid mechanical fusion.

When a determination has been made that the insertion of additional anchoring members is not necessary, the driving member may be uncoupled (at 2935) from the anchoring member and removed (at 2935) from the delivery housing and from the patient. In some embodiments, robotic arms may be used to uncouple the driving member from the anchoring member and remove the driving member from the delivery housing.

Once the driving member has been removed from the patient and the delivery housing is no longer needed, the retention rods may be uncoupled from the fusion member. This is achieved by rotating the retention rods 180 degrees so that the retention teeth of the retention rods disengage (at 2940) from the retention grooves of the fusion member. Once uncoupled, the retention rods may be separated from the fusion member, and the delivery housing along with the retention rods may then be removed (at 2940) from the patient. In some embodiments, robotic arms may be used to uncouple the retention rods from the fusion member and remove the retention rods from the delivery housing.

In some embodiments, more than one fusion member is inserted between two adjacent vertebral bodies. Accordingly, a determination is made (at 2945) whether another fusion member needs to be inserted between the vertebral bodies between which the last fusion member was inserted (at 2915). If so, the medical procedure is repeated from 2915 to 2940. Also, in some embodiments, the medical procedure 2905 is performed multiple times to replace multiple discs between multiple pairs of vertebral bodies.

V. ALTERNATIVES SHAPES AND STRUCTURES

A. Arc Shaped Fusion Member Channels Traversing in a Parallel Cross-Sectional Plane

The shape and composition of the fusion members and the anchoring members are different in different embodiments of the invention. For instance, in some embodiments, the anchoring members and the fusion-member channels are in shape of an arc as depicted in FIGS. 30-33. In these figures, one set of tubular fusion member channels 3020 and 3030 follow concentric semi-circular arcs to reach the inferior face of fusion member 3010. The second set of tubular fusion member channels 3040 and 3050 follow concentric semi-circular arcs to reach the superior face of the fusion member 3010. Each set of concentric arcs traverse along a cross-sectional plane that runs parallel to one of the fusion member surfaces.

These channels can be traversed by semi-circular arc shaped anchoring members, as illustrated in FIGS. 32-33. Specifically, FIGS. 32-33 show passage of anchoring members through these semicircular tubular channels with anchoring members 3200 and 3210 passing into the marrow space of the vertebral body (not pictured) beneath the fusion member, and anchoring members 3220 and 3230 passing into the vertebral body contiguous with the superior face of the fusion member (not pictured). Semi-circular arc-shaped channels and anchoring members simplify the process of inserting anchoring members into the channels, given the small space in which the fusion member is inserted between the vertebral bodies and the difficulty in accessing the proximal openings of the fusion member within the confines of the operative field. The anchoring members 3200-3230 are flexible in some embodiments, while being rigid in other embodiments.

FIG. 34 provides a detailed view of an anchoring member tip 3400 of some of the arc-shaped embodiments. As shown in this figure, a central lumen 3410 of the arc-shaped anchoring member of some embodiments is in direct communication with perforations 3420 along the anchoring member shaft as well as the “teeth” or retention ridges 3430. This allows the polymer material to be delivered to the area adjacent to and between the angled teeth or retention ridges 3430, such that these surface contours can engage the polymer materials when it hardens, locking the anchoring member in position within the trabecular bone, thereby locking the fusion member to the vertebral body.

In FIGS. 35-37, an embodiment of the fusion member 3500 includes two curved semicircular channels 3510 and 3520, shown with curved anchoring members 3530 and 3540 fully advanced through these channels and into the marrow spaces of the vertebral bodies (not pictured) below and above the fusion member. In FIG. 37, a polymer has been injected to form “clouds” 3700 and 3710 adjacent to the perforated, contoured tips of anchoring members 3530 and 3540 within the marrow spaces of the adjacent vertebral bodies (not pictured). In this series of figures, channels 3510 and 3520 traverse cross-sectional planes parallel to one another as well as the lateral fusion member surfaces.

B. Fusion Member Channels Traversing in Non-Parallel Cross-Sectional Planes

One of ordinary skill in the art will realize that different configurations of the fusion member channels can traverse in x-, y-, and z-directions. FIGS. 38-40 depict an alternate embodiment of the fusion member 3800 with curved channels 3810 and 3820 and curved channels 3830 and 3840 extending to inferior and superior faces of the fusion member, respectively. Channels 3820 and 3840 traverse cross-sectional planes parallel to one another, as do channels 3810 and 3830. Both sets of channels traverse planes that are not parallel with any fusion member surface.

FIGS. 41-42 depict an alternate embodiment of a fusion member that includes straight uncurled channels 4120. These channels traverse cross-sectional planes that are non-parallel with any surface of the fusion member, and additionally, traverse cross-sectional planes that are non-parallel with each other. The distal openings of these oblique, nonparallel channels 4120 are located at or near the geometric centers of the inferior and superior faces of the fusion member. As shown in these figures, the fusion member 4110 includes two channels 4120 that are traversed by anchoring members 4130 and 4140, which are rectangular in cross-sectional profile to match the cross-sectional profile of the channels. FIG. 43 provides a detailed view of the anchoring members depicting the direct communication of the central anchoring member lumen 4300 with perforations 4310 along the anchoring member shaft as well as the “teeth” or retention ridges 4320 and a beveled tip 4330. In FIGS. 44-45, polymer has been injected and forms “clouds” 4400 and 4410 contiguous with the perforated, contoured tips of anchoring members 4130 and 4140 within the marrow spaces of adjacent vertebral bodies (not pictured).

FIGS. 46A and 47 depict an alternate embodiment of the fusion member 4600 with channels 4610 and 4620 that traverse in parallel cross-sectional planes with respect to each other but are non-parallel with respect to the faces of the fusion member. FIG. 46B illustrates that each of the channels 4610 and 4620 trace circular arcs that are a portion of two conceptual circles which traverse planes that are parallel to each other and non-parallel to all faces of the fusion member. These channels are traversed by curved anchoring members (not pictured). Although this embodiment provides for channels and anchoring members that trace the arcs of conceptual circles, other embodiments provide for alternative curved conceptual shapes (e.g. ellipses, parabolas, etc.). The distal openings of the channels 4610 and 4620 may be located at or near the geometric centers of the inferior and superior faces of the fusion member.

C. Alternative Anchoring Member Tips

In some embodiments, the anchoring members may be arc-shaped. In other embodiments, the anchoring members may be angled, semi-circular, arc-shaped, or straight. FIGS. 48A-48B provide a detailed view of alternative embodiments 4801, 4802, and 4803 of anchoring member tips. As shown in this figure, the central lumen 4800-4810 of the anchoring members is in direct communication with perforations 4815, 4820, and 4825 along the anchoring member shaft as well as the “teeth”, or retention ridges, 4830, 4835, and 4840. FIG. 48B illustrates that in some embodiments, the anchoring members have beveled tips 4804.

In some embodiments, the maximum diameter or circumference of the segment of the anchoring member that includes retention ridges or other surface features intended to engage the polymer material (e.g., PMMA or bone cement) is less than or equal to the diameter or circumference of proximal and distal anchoring member segments. This allows the anchoring member to be hammered, tapped, or simply pushed into position within the marrow space of the vertebral bodies rather than being screwed into place.

FIGS. 48C-48D illustrate that the anchoring members of some embodiments have threads. As shown, the threads may run the entire length of the anchoring member, from the base of the anchoring member to the tip of the anchoring member. In other embodiments (not shown), the threads run through only a segment of the anchoring member (i.e., less than the entire length of the anchoring member). The threads allow the anchoring members to be screwed into the desired position within the marrow space of the vertebral bodies. In some embodiments, the fusion member channels into which the anchoring members are advanced include grooves that compliment the threads of the anchoring members.

D. Fusion Members with Ridges and Additional Bone-Grafting Channels

FIG. 49 depicts various fusion member surface contour features including orthogonal ridges 4900, angled ridges 4910, and oblique parallel ridges 4920. Longitudinal channels 4930 and 4940 and transverse channels 4950 and 4960 for positioning and retention of bone graft material are also illustrated. These surface contours and retention channels may be combined with any of the fusion member channel configurations previously described. Bone grafting channels may be of any size and position and allow for the positioning of bone grafting material between and in contact with the opposed endplates of the adjacent vertebral bodies as well as extending from one lateral face to another lateral face of the fusion member. Placement of the bone graft material in the disc space surrounding the fusion member permits the progressive solid bony fusion between the fusion member and the adjacent vertebral bodies.

E. Retention Teeth and Retention Grooves of Variable Dimensions

In some embodiments, retention teeth and retention grooves are of variable width and height. FIGS. 50 and 51 illustrate a retention rod 5005 with retention teeth (only one tooth 5010 is shown) that engage with a set of larger diameter retention grooves 5120 of a retention groove set 5110 of a fusion member 5100. In FIG. 50, the retention tooth 5010 includes a directional decrease in tooth height and a directional decrease in tooth width when traversing the contour of the tooth in the indicated direction of rotation. The width 5020 of the retention tooth's leading edge is less than the width 5030 of the retention tooth's trailing edge. The height 5040 of the retention tooth's leading edge is less than the height 5050 of the retention tooth's trailing edge. The retention tooth tapers in two directions. Specifically the retention tooth (1) tapers in the radial direction (i.e. height), and (2) tapers in the lateral direction (i.e. width) when traversing the circumference of the tooth.

In FIG. 51, the set of larger diameter retention grooves 5120 of the retention groove set 5110 also decreases in height and width when traversing the contour of the groove in the indicated direction of engagement to match the profile of the retention tooth 5010. Specifically, the retention tooth 5010 is inserted first into opening 5130, which exhibits greater height and width compared to opening 5140. When the tooth's leading edge with smaller dimensions is fully engaged with the opening 5140 with smaller dimensions and the tooth's trailing edge with larger dimensions is fully engaged with the opening 5130 with larger dimensions, the retention rod can no longer be rotated. The tooth's flared shape and matching flared profile of the larger-diameter retention grooves 5120 of the retention groove set 5110 prevent the retention rod from being withdrawn laterally from the fusion member 5100. When decoupling the retention rod from the fusion member 5100, the retention tooth's trailing edge with smaller dimensions is the last to clear the larger diameter retention grooves, facilitating clearance and removal of the retention rod.

F. Various Configurations of Fusion Members and Anchoring Members

As mentioned above, some embodiments of the invention provide a fusion member with four channels and four anchoring members that are advanced into these fusion member channels as shown in FIG. 52.

FIGS. 53-55 illustrate an example of the injection of PMMA, or other bone cement or hardening polymer, through the anchoring members and into the vertebral bodies. In this example, four anchoring members are inserted into the four channels of a fusion block. One of ordinary skill will realize that the same operations can be performed for the embodiments that use two anchoring members through a fusion block with two channels.

In FIG. 53, anchoring members 5310-5340 are fully advanced through the fusion member channels and into the marrow space of adjacent vertebral bodies 5360-5370 immediately above and below the fusion member 5350. Polymer can be injected through the central lumen of the anchoring members and out of the perforations of the anchoring members into the immediate surrounding area within the marrow space of the penetrated vertebrae. FIG. 54 depicts the coalescence of the polymer collections 5410-5420 that result following injections of these polymers via anchoring members 5310-5340, respectively. The coalescence 5410-5420 of these polymers forms a spherical or ellipsoidal “cloud” contiguous with the tip of the anchoring members 5310-5340. The polymer hardens within the marrow space, resulting in a structural union between anchoring members 5310-5340 in addition to anchoring each vertebral body 5360-5370 to the fusion member 5350. The contoured tips of the anchoring members in conjunction with the hardened polymer prevent withdrawal of the anchoring members 5310-5340 from the trabecular bone and enhances the structural integrity of the fusion member 5350. The final result is an intervertebral fusion member 5350 anchored via multiple anchoring members 5310-5340 to collections of hardened polymer (e.g., PMMA or other bone cement) and to the trabecular bone of adjacent vertebral bodies 5360-5370 yielding solid mechanical fusion. Once the anchoring members 5310-5340 are in place, and the polymer has been injected into the marrow space of the vertebral bodies, the driving members may be disengaged from the anchoring members and removed from the patient.

Some embodiments insert more than one fusion member between a pair of adjacent vertebral bodies. One such example is illustrated in FIG. 55. This figure depicts placement of two fusion members 5510-5520 within the right and left paramedian disc space of vertebral bodies 5570-5580, multiple sets of anchoring members advanced into the vertebral bodies 5570-5580, and coalescence of polymer “clouds” 5530-5560 following the polymer injections. The resultant polymer clouds from adjacent tips of anchoring members may unite to form a single larger cloud upon polymerization. The united cloud along with multiple contoured and perforated anchoring members locks the fusion members 5510-5520 to the trabecular bone of vertebral bodies 5570-5580.

VI. EMBODIMENTS THAT DO NOT USE POLYMER MATERIALS

While the invention has been described with reference to numerous specific details, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the invention can be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit of the invention. In some embodiments, the anchoring members may be without a central lumen or perforations along their shaft. In some embodiments, angled teeth, back-facing ridges, and other surface retention ridges may be greater in circumference or diameter than the more proximal or distal anchoring member segments. In these instances, after the anchoring members are advanced into the marrow space of the vertebral bodies, injection of polymer materials may not be needed to anchor the vertebral bodies to the fusion member. The surface contours of the anchoring members will anchor the vertebral bodies to the fusion member.

Also, in several of the above-described embodiments, the channels and anchoring members have circular-arc cross-sectional profiles. However, in other embodiments, the channels and anchoring members have alternative curved arc shapes. 

1. A fusion device comprising: a fusion member for positioning between two vertebral bodies, said fusion member comprising a plurality of grooves; and a delivery mechanism for delivering the fusion member between the vertebral bodies, said delivery mechanism comprising a plurality of retention rods, each retention rod comprising a plurality of teeth for coupling with one of said plurality of grooves of the fusion member in order to couple the fusion member with the delivery mechanism while the delivery mechanism delivers the fusion member between vertebral bodies, wherein each groove comprises a plurality of indentations for rotatably receiving the plurality of teeth of a retention rod.
 2. The fusion device of claim 1, wherein each retention rod comprises (i) a shaft from which the retention rod's plurality of teeth protrude, and (ii) a handle coupled to said shaft, wherein the handle of each retention rod is for allowing the rotation of the handle's shaft in a particular direction to decouple the shaft's protruding teeth from the groove, wherein the decoupling of the teeth of all the retention rods from all the grooves allows the delivery mechanism to decouple from the fusion member, in order to allow the delivery mechanism to be retracted from a patient while leaving the fusion member between the vertebral bodies.
 3. The fusion device of claim 1, wherein the width of each indentation and corresponding tooth varies along a direction of rotation in order to ensure that the tooth and groove unlock in only one direction of rotation. 